One of the more popular modifications that people like to perform on their scoot is changing the lighting. Some folks want more light in order to see better at night. But what some would-be electricians don’t realize is that installing higher than standard (55-60) wattage H4 bulbs in their halogen headlight increases the amount of current running through the stock wiring.

A standard 55-watt low-beam bulb will draw 3.5 to 4.5 amps. A 60-watt high beam draws 4.2 to 5 amps. Some of the more common higher wattage bulbs available these days are 55-100, 80-100 and 100-130.

Some of my Tuesday ramblings on this blog are directed at a specific target. Like only Sportser owners or just bagger owners. Today, I’m going to encompass everybody with a back-to-basics approach to grips and pegs — those two items with which we have the most physical contact, other than our seats.

Here are two simple ways to integrate your own style into your bike without having to take a second mortgage out on the house. A well-thought out set of pegs and grips can change the whole look and feel of your ride.

Not only do we have constant contact with pegs and grips, but they’re also the main … Continue Reading

Well it’s finally here, the 70th annual gathering of bikers where the (Black) hills are alive with the sound of full-throttle engines, plenty of music, and an estimated half million bikers and their friends from around the world. This once-a-year gathering runs today through Sunday in Sturgis, S.D., and is hands down the biggest biker bash on the planet.

And J&P Cycles is smack dab in the middle of it all, taking up a full city block in between the two busiest streets in town — that area residing between Main and Lazelle streets. Our huge store even spawned a satellite location a few years back in the form … Continue Reading

Editor’s note:Today we present the second of two blog entries comparing race bikes and street machines. Yesterday we heard Scott Holton’s description of the attributes of a good race bike. Today, we explore the definition of a street bike, expertly presented by our own Anthony Todd.

By Anthony Todd

Scott did a great job explaining how wild you can go before you get to the point of no return when it comes to engine building. His explanation raised this question in my mind: If we modify our engines from their stock form how can we still label it a “street engine?” So I re-read his post and thought about … Continue Reading

Editor’s note:This is the first part in a two-part series on the differences between a race bike and a street bike. Scott Holton starts things off with his notions about what makes a good race motor. Tomorrow’s post, written by Anthony Todd defines reliability and drivability as the most important factors that make up a good street bike.

By Scott Holton

On a recent J&P Cycles forum, I was asked how a particular engine combination would be for around-town riding. I looked the specs over, and told the guy that the engine setup he described wouldn’t be all that suitable for strictly short trips around town. That engine … Continue Reading

In a classic TV episode of Cheers, the bar is losing money and, in an effort to raise some cash, the tavern hosts a raffle with an ocean cruise as the prize. When the lovable, albeit simple minded Woody draws the winner from the tumbler, he announces cheerfully, “And the winner of the Cheers all-expense trip to the Caribbean is —No. 99!” The winner jumps up in amazement as the crowd cheers, steel drums begin pounding and the celebration gets underway. Meanwhile, in the background, Sam asks his smiling bartender, “Say, Woody, when you turn this 99 upside down it kinda looks like a 66, doesn’t it.” Woody looks … Continue Reading

In keeping with the summer travel theme we’ve been promoting these past few weeks, we’re going to once again focus on the bare essentials for your vacation adventures. We’re not talking sexy here. I know we’re all attracted to bright, shiny objects, but you’ll find no chrome or stainless steel in this batch of suggestions; just the necessities that keep you and your bike safely and securely on the road.

First off, let’s talk about your fluids. On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer, but so often something as simple as the lifeblood of your bike goes unattended or unnoticed. And it’s not just motor oil either. It’s … Continue Reading

Samuel Johnson, the guy who wrote the Dictionary of the English Language, once said, “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless.” There’s more to the quote, but the point here is, a little bit of knowledge can go a long way in life — especially if you’re working around bikes. And since we’re on the topic of knowledge and integrity, our techs at J&P Cycles — with a combined 750 years of technical knowledge— have agreed to share some of their favorite tech tips with us. Think of it as a sort of Hints from Heloise, only for motorcycle riders instead of housewives. You might want … Continue Reading

About Us

J&P Cycles® is the largest aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories cataloger and online retailer on the planet!
Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Anamosa, Iowa, with a satellite location in Ormond Beach, Florida, J&P Cycles® has
been sharing their knowledge and expertise for over 30 years.
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